Label Notes 07/25

2ND101, Nitrada’s EVERYTHING THAT IS NOT COUNTED WILL BE LOST, our first release since 2008, is out.

Reaching this major milestone in the second part of the 2nd rec journey seems like a good time to share some thoughts. A small behind-the-scenes for those curious.

Almost exactly a year ago, Christophe mentioned he was working on some tracks he wanted to release as an album. Back then, we didn’t talk about putting it out ourselves or reactivating the label. Christophe was actually considering which labels he could approach.

But we talked a lot about the music itself – what’s working, what’s missing, what could make it stronger. I then got even more involved by recording guitars for two tracks.

There was never an assessment whether we should do it ourselves or try to find another label for it. We never talked about the pros and cons. Rather, the forming album grew so dear to my heart (and Christophe’s anyway) that not releasing it ourselves seemed odd.

So after our hearts and guts made the decision, we rationalized it: “We don’t start at zero.” “We already know a thing or two about releasing a record.”
But we were also aware that a lot had changed in the last 15 years, which we positively framed as: “It’ll be interesting to see what releasing a record nowadays is like.”

When we released our last record, Spotify hadn’t launched yet.
There was no Instagram, let alone TikTok.
People purchased small silver discs with music on them.
Some paid for downloads of whole albums or single files.
Another difference: pressing vinyl didn’t cost an arm and a leg.

We knew we were stepping into a different world.
We also knew: no one had been waiting for our return.

Still, some people were genuinely happy we were back.
Writers and radio DJs who had supported us before remembered us and covered the Nitrada release. That meant a lot.

Most new contacts? No response.
And honestly, I get it. Nitrada is just another unfamiliar name in a crowded inbox.

So yes, there’s still a long road ahead.
It’ll take time to reestablish the label and give our artists the kind of modest platform we had 20 years ago.

But it feels really good.

Listening to early demos.
Getting that first test pressing.
Holding the finished record in your hands.
Magic.

Thanks for coming along on this journey.
The Nitrada record isn’t a one-off.
There’s more to come.
And we’re looking forward to sharing it with you.